WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE MLAUS

Dear CMI Delegates, Members of the MLA-US and Other Potential Participants and Guests,

The Maritime Law Association of the United States (“MLA-US”) is both honored and excited to be hosting the 42nd Conference of Comite Maritime International (“CMI”) in New York from May 3-6, 2016. As President of the MLA-US, I could not be more thrilled at the opportunity to welcome you to this historic conference.

As many of our own members know, one of the central purposes for the formation of the MLA-US over 115 years ago was to serve as a constituent member of the CMI. To many it was and still is our raison d’être. It has been over 50 years since the CMI last held its Conference in New York in 1965 and it is time to come back. Although much has changed, New York remains one of the worldwide centers of maritime commerce, marine finance and insurance and maritime law and the Conference program that is being formed is designed to address current issues involving each of these sectors and more.

The 2016 CMI Conference presents a unique opportunity for New Yorkers, U.S. based maritime professionals and our worldwide colleagues to come together and make a difference in maritime law and commerce. As the CMI Conference will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the MLA-US, a first of its kind CMI/MLA-US joint committee sessions will provide unique insight and benefits to the attendees and the social program will expose the delegates and their spouses/guests to the special character of New York.

On a personal note the 2016 CMI Conference affords me the opportunity to return to the city that I cherish beyond all others and where I spent my career in private practice. As the Frank Sinatra song goes “It’s up to you, New York, New York”. We won’t let you down. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the 2016 CMI Conference!!